Entire home

The Library Bach - A special place people love!

Photo gallery for The Library Bach - A special place people love!

Exterior
Private kitchen
Dining
Ground floor bedroom
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Pakawau Beach, Golden Bay
  • Pakawau Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Golden Bay
  • Wharariki Beach
  • Takaka (KTF)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Ground floor

1 Queen Bed

Loft

1 Queen Bed and 1 Child Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

The Library Bach - A special place people love!

“Silver Winner Golden Piwa Awards" BEST IN HOSPITALITY!
A few steps away from a safe swimming beach, ‘The Library' refers to the original bach on this property, a small relocated country library. This now serves as a characterful sleepout and sits behind the main bach which is located beside an estuary. The large section is quiet, bush-clad, bird-filled and has superb inlet and mountain views.

The bach is private and open plan - think designer retro-pacific styled tramping hut! Beds are in the loft and on the ground floor with no doors between. The bach's size, character and proximity to stunning beaches help make it a wonderful holiday destination for couples or small families.

There is great mobile phone reception at the bach.

Extra features include nearby migratory godwits and other wonderful bird life, including little blue penguins who are rarely seen but often heard and nest under the library sleep-out or wood pile. Plentiful cockles and pipi are a short stroll away at low tide. There are also a superb selection of natural history, children's and other fiction books, a large record collection, gas hot water and stove top, kayaks, paddle board, an outside bath and a composting indoor toilet.

The bach won an NZIA Resene Local Award for Architecture.

Special conditions:
A minimum of four nights applies for bookings during NZ summer school holidays and a minimum of three nights applies for NZ long weekends. Otherwise a minimum of two nights. Rental is for a maximum of 4 people. Each additional guest per night is $20.00.
Smoking allowed outside only.
If you do not have the time or inclination to clean the bach before you leave, cleaning can be arranged for $80.00.
Cotton sheets and towels are also available at NZ$25.00 per person.

Donation Scheme
For every night The Library Bach is booked, a $5.00 donation is made to the Nelson Community Foodbank Trust Inc. The Nelson Community Food Bank delivers food parcels to families and individuals experiencing hardship in the Nelson area. The Nelson Community Food Bank is a registered charity (No. CC29561) https://www.nelsoncommunityfoodbank.org.nz/ and so far the bach has donated over $3,000.00 to it.

Previously the Library Bach raised over $7,000.00 for The Nelson ARK.

Please check out my social enterprise in Golden Bay's Aorere Valley, 3km from the Heaphy Track. Te Whare o Kea is non-profit and supports the Kea Conservation Trust. It can be found on airbnb and is the place to stay for an early start on the Heaphy or a fabulous off grid get away!

Property manager

Anna
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Mountain view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number -

About the area

Collingwood

Located in Collingwood, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Bay and Kahurangi National Park, while Collingwood Museum and Golden Bay Museum & Gallery are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Map
Pakawau Beach, Golden Bay

What's nearby

  • Pakawau Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Collingwood Recreation Ground - 6 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Milnthorpe Park - 10 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Parapara Beach - 13 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Cape Farewell - 32 min drive - 21.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Collingwood Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Old School Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mad Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Farmers Bakehouse - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Library Bach - A special place people love! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Library Bach - A special place people love!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Library Bach - A special place people love!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Library Bach - A special place people love! located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Pakawau Beach and within 6 miles (10 km) of Kahurangi National Park and Collingwood Recreation Ground. Collingwood Museum and Tukurua Bay are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 326 out of 357 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 357 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 357 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 357 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 357 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Phillippa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Golden Bay Getaway

Awesome bach to relax & chill out in.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laetitia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing and magical stay in the Library

The only regret is to not having been able to stay longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anna’s Place

Awesome - neat accomodation nice people, great area, fully recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing spot and lovely bach

We had a great time. It was great taking the kayaks out from the back of the property and sitting in the outdoor bath at night. Very good location to explore up around farewell spit.Anna was very friendly, and the bach had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loving the Library

What a magnificent location - just set back from the inlet and at the edge of the trees with great views of the neighbouring hills. The Library is a very welcoming place with a brilliant host. Some really nice touches like the fresh local honey and to help make the cleaning easier, even a vacuum on the mezzanine. Beds are very comfy and kitchen is well stocked with all you need to make a great meal. Would love to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chrissie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect tranquility

A beautifully curated property in an enviable position, exactly what we were looking for. Everything you need for a peaceful break is here, including an old school Pye record player 70s vinyl. Special shout out to the Pacifica vibe. A special place in which to sooth your soul.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Library

We had a great time at this property
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlie C.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dreamy

What a beautiful place to spend a weekend, we had a blast and would book to stay again in a heartbeat
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great bach, great to deal with

Awesome communication from Anna, great to deal with. Family loved the spot, especially the kids on the kayaks in the inlet. Would stay again for sure
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My favourite bach

Once again a beautiful visit, comfortable, sunny, warm and a nurturing base for explorations and rest.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Penguin hideout

Tucked away at the end of a Totara-lined avenue between the Sea and estuary. Very comfortable Bach with lovely outlooks and a fab record collection
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dinah J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely beach side break

Wonderful stay at beautiful Kiwi Bach. Thanks Anna, a very special place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Carol P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Golden Bay retreat

The surrounding bush and tidal waters added to this peaceful environment Bach clean and spacious and fully equipped Ideal place to relax and recharge Location good to explore the near by tourist sites.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Totara Ave is lovely

Great, but the steep ladder to 2nd bed is somewhat challenging for old girls with knee replacements. Great for a couple in ground floor bed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Winter Break

Repeat customers as we have always enjoyed this place. Being mid winter its great to have a cosy, wood burning fire place. As always communication with Anna the owner was good. Bonus no sand flies in winter.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable bach, beautiful area

Everything was great. Would happily stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joshua M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommend library Bach

Amazing connection with the spirit loved our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tamzyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heavenly

A magical experience
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madeleine W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful mid winter get away

Lovely location with amazing views accross the estuary. The bach is very peaceful and the layout is good for families. We found everything we needed was provided. Plenty of firewood was available and made for a cosy and comfortable mid winter stay. Hosts very welcoming and accommodating and provided excellent communication.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viv D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil winter sojourn

Loved this space, and the location! Heaps to do in the area, or just hole up at 'home' in The Library, with a blazing fire, fully equipped kitchen, and a gorgeous outlook over the estuary to the western Bay hills. The bedroom overlooking the estuary was a highlight for us, as well as appreciating the quality of kitchen provision, and tasteful decor at The Library. Anna is a gracious host, excellent communication, thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect retreat

Quiet, warm and welcoming. Perfect for reading, relaxing and beach walks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy getaway

What an incredible spot. Right on the water. An amazing retreat after a long weekend of orienteering. The bath was incredible to restore the body and mind. A lovely kitchen to cook in and we loved the open plan style of the house. We spent the evenings warmed by the fire, reviewing the days events and istening to the awesome vinyl collection. So peaceful and restorative.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ian M

Serene location, great home, clear and detailed communication.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Family Holiday

Beautiful property in stunning location. I would highly recommend a stay at the library bach; unique and relaxing, I couldn't fault it. We are family of 5 (kids 7, 5 & 2) and it was perfect. The penguins coming home at night an added little bonus.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Anna

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Close to Wharariki, Farewell Spit and other stunning beaches. Looks directly into a beautiful small inlet and is a few steps from a lovely swimming beach.

The Library sleepout has resident kororā (little blue penguins) nesting beneath it. See this link and recognise their call when at the bach! https://www.goldenbaypenguins.org.nz/blue-penguins

In Jan 2020 a guest saw or (or heard) the following at Totara Ave (unless noted):
House Sparrow
Starling
Red Billed Gull
Black Billed Gull
Black Backed Gull
Blackbird
Swamp Harrier
White Faced Heron
Paradise Shelduck
Fantail (and black-phase fantail)
Caspian Tern
Spur Winged Plover
Song Thrush
Goldfinch
Tui
Yellowhammer
Fernbird (heard only)
NZ Falcon
Spotted Shag
Grey Warbler
Welcome Swallow
NZ Wood Pigeon
Variable Oystercatcher
SI Pied Oystercatcher
Pied Shag
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
White Fronted Tern
Sacred Kingfisher
Pukeko
Silvereye
Black Swan
Bellbird
Eastern Bar Tailed Godwit
Australasian Gannet
California Quail
Banded Rail (very elusive exciting find)
Black Shag
Mallard
Grey Duck
Shining Cuckoo (heard only)
Royal Spoonbill
Pipit (Farewell Spit)
Knot (Farewell Spit)
Eastern Great Egret (White Heron/Kotuku)
Pied Stilt
Weka (heard only)

That’s a birder’s dream! Add korora (little blue penguin) when they are nesting.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests